Congressman Rangel, a Wounded Korean War Veteran, Remembers Those Who Made the Ultimate Sacrifice for Their Country in Iraq and Afghanistan
WASHINGTON - Congressman Charles Rangel today officially announced the installation of a special link on his Congressional website featuring service men and women killed in the Iraq and Afghan wars who were residents of New York State. A separate grouping is devoted to servicemen from Puerto Rico who were killed in action.
"There is no greater sacrifice possible by a citizen or resident of a country than to give their life in wartime in defense of the nation," Congressman Rangel said. "The Fallen Heroes of New York are owed the highest respect and gratitude for their contribution to our country. They are our fallen heroes in a roll-call of honor."
Navy Petty Officer 3rd Class Benjamin Johnson of Rochester was identified by military authorities as the first New Yorker killed in Operation Enduring Freedom In Iraq. The 21-year-old seaman drowned in the Persian Gulf on November 18, 2001, when the ship he had boarded sank. The vessel was believed to be smuggling oil. A total of 5,630 American troops have been killed in the two wars.
Two hundred forty-eight (248) of the deceased were residents of New York State. Among them, 78 were from the five boroughs of New York City. Queens County had the highest number of fatalities among the New York boroughs, with 29. Brooklyn had 24, and Manhattan 16.
Congressman Rangel's district in Upper Manhattan has lost five of its sons, four from Washington Heights and one from East Harlem. From Washington Heights: Marine Staff Sergeant Riayan A. Tejada, Army Specialist Sergio A. Mercedes Saez, Army Corporal Juan Alcantara, and Army Sergeant Jose E. Ulloa. From East Harlem: Army Specialist Jose L. Ruiz.
Under Congressman Rangel's legislation, the Washington Bridge Post Office in Washington Heights was dedicated in honor of Sergeant Tejada in 2005.
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